What would you do for your dreams to come true? What would you do or give up for your one biggest goal to become reality? Would you make a deal with the devil? This is the choice that Johnny Faust (played by Andy Black, vocalist of the band The Black Veil Brides) and his band The Relentless must make.

The band features members from both Ohio and the UK that plan to meet with their manager Ricky, played by John Bradley (Game of Thrones), in California with a demo in hand to make it big in the music industry. When they arrive they meet Gabriel, played by Bill Duke (Predator), and Mr. Capricorn, played by Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), both attempting to advise or connect with the band. Both of these characters come and go, taking on different roles throughout the film, leading the viewer to question whether they are actually there, controlling other people, or are a figment of the band;s imagination/drug induced haze. While Gabriel tries to offer kind advice, Mr. Capricorn bounces between crude comments and the offering to make their wildest dreams come true, which McDowell pulls off with great success.

The band disregards both of the characters’ advice and sets out to make their band a household name, with their new bassist Lilly, played by newcomer Jesse Sullivan. They play small gigs, work basic jobs cleaning in kitchens or in small record stores, and live in a van together. After their big break at the legendary Whisky A-Go Go falls apart due to the work of a competing band, the devilish Mr. Capricorn appears to make them an offer if they perform a revenge kill as sacrifice.

Going forward, any setback The Relentless experience seems to propel them further into stardom. From statutory rape, bar fights that result in murder, or crazy fans committing acts inspired by the band; nothing can stop them. Soon, they are buying houses and expensive cars and living their dream. Eventually, they begin to fall deeper into Mr. Capricorn;s rabbit hole and it all starts to fall apart.

With a cast comprised of musicians, B-list supporting actors, and a few newcomers, the acting is convincing enough. Thanks to the great comedic timing of Mark Boone Junior as record mogul Elias, Bradley, and McDowell, there are a number of laughs to be found if you have a dark sense of humor like me. Andy Black does a respectable job as the bands front man and pulls off the brooding musician well.

The music is really a high point of the film, featuring original music performed by The Relentless, licensed music, as well as softer covers of a number of hard rock songs performed with a female vocalist; you’ll likely be pulling out your phone regularly to Shazam the music. Not a single track felt wasted or out of place, despite featuring some music from other genres.

While the trailer may make the film come across as a horror flick, it’s much more subtle and is more akin to a drama with some dark humor to accompany the light horror tones, similar to the recent Aronofsky film Mother!. As I stated earlier, you never really know if the events in the film are being driven by the devil or simply comes across this way. This makes the film almost require a second viewing to try to decipher if everyone is truly who they seem to be.

American Satan isn’t for everyone, but I would recommend watching this film if you’re a fan of the genre of music or have aspirations to become the next breakout rock star.

8 out of 10

Pros

• Great Cast
• Amazing Soundtrack and Original Music
• Interesting Delivery

Cons

• Not As Much of a Horror Film as Portrayed

American Satan was written and directed by Ash Avildsen. It was released on digitally for purchase on January 15th, 2018. The film was not provided to us for viewing.

 

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